ap bio unit pt 2 ecosystems
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45 Terms
Do populations exist in isolation?
No, populations interact with other populations in ecosystems
What is predation?
An interaction where one organism (predator) eats another (prey)
How does predation affect populations?
It acts as a population growth regulator
What pattern is seen in predator-prey relationships?
Population cycles where predator numbers follow prey numbers
What are mechanical defenses?
Physical structures like shells or spikes that protect organisms
What are physical defenses?
Body features like bright colors that warn predators
What are behavioral defenses?
Actions like playing dead or fleeing to avoid predators
What are chemical defenses?
Production of toxins to deter predators
What is mimicry?
When one species resembles another for protection
What is Batesian mimicry?
A harmless species mimics a harmful one
What is Müllerian mimicry?
Two harmful species resemble each other
What is herbivory?
When animals eat plants
What is the relationship in herbivory?
Interaction between herbivores and plants they consume
How do plants defend against herbivores?
By producing toxins
What is mutualism?
A relationship where both organisms benefit
What is commensalism?
One benefits, the other is unaffected
What is parasitism?
One benefits while the host is harmed
What is amensalism?
One organism is harmed while the other is unaffected
What is competition?
Two organisms compete for limited resources and both are negatively affected
What is the competitive exclusion principle?
Two species cannot occupy the same niche; one will outcompete the other
What are ecological communities?
Groups of interacting populations in an ecosystem
Why are ecological communities complex?
They involve many interactions and relationships between species
What determines biodiversity in a community?
Species richness and abundance
What is species richness?
The number of different species in a community
What is species abundance?
The number of individuals of each species
Why is biodiversity important?
It helps maintain ecosystem stability and homeostasis
What is a keystone species?
A species that has a large impact on its ecosystem
What happens if a keystone species is removed?
The ecosystem becomes unbalanced
Why are keystone species important?
They maintain structure and health of ecosystems
What is an example of a keystone species?
Sea otters in kelp forest ecosystems
How do sea otters affect kelp forests?
They eat sea urchins, controlling their population
What happens if sea urchins are not controlled?
They destroy kelp forests
What are invasive species?
Non-native species that harm ecosystems
How do invasive species damage ecosystems?
They compete with native species for resources
Why are invasive species successful?
They lack natural predators and have beneficial adaptations
What is ecological succession?
The process of one community replacing another over time
What are the two types of succession?
Primary and secondary succession
What is primary succession?
Occurs in previously uninhabited areas
What are pioneer species?
The first species to colonize an area
What are examples of pioneer species?
Lichens and mosses
What happens after pioneer species?
K-selected species move in over time
What is a climax community?
A stable, balanced ecosystem at equilibrium
What is secondary succession?
Occurs after a disturbance like fire or flood
Why is secondary succession faster?
Soil and organisms are already present
What events cause secondary succession?
Fires, floods, logging, harvesting